Saturday, August 28, 2010

A few years back I was noticing everyone’s eyelashes. Probably because mine didn’t look as long as they used to be. So first I tried the one-piece fake lashes, from Mac brand to Duane Reade (a New York City “CVS” except better for make-up).

Trying to glue those babies on was quite a task. Thanks goodness eyelash glue is very forgiving! Practice and experience seemed to be the key in mastering this procedure.

They were really beautiful. But I still felt like I had a quarter weighing on each eyelid!

Then there were the individual lashes. I needed a tweezer and small scissors to apply because you can cut them to your desired length without much error—not like the one-piece lashes. I patiently sat at my vanity and tried my creative hand at it. The “individuals” were easier to apply and looked lovely. Unfortunately the only time I wore the individuals it was wasted on a “girls night out” and not fluttering at somewhere someone is seen!

It was a worthwhile try. So being the catalogue shopping queen I found an “eyelash conditioner”. I applied it once in the morning and once at night. Stroking my babies with a mascara brush dipped into a clear gel on top and bottom lashes. After just a couple of weeks I saw a big difference. It was worth the effort.

Lately I discovered a vibrating wand mascara by Maybelline and I truly believe that from the stimulation on the lashes it has promoted lash growth.

TIP: always remove your mascara before bed to prevent lash breakage.

So if you see that your lashes and brows are looking sparse try the next NEW lash conditioner (most are sold over the counter but you might want to try a prescription one for a more serious problem). You’ll have fluttering peepers again before you know it!

Friday, August 20, 2010

I have been giving all my readers an insight to utilize all of nature's finest “nectars of the Gods.” This one is no different. Ginseng is a perennial herb with a fleshy root and is slow growing. Coming from Eastern Asia, primarily China and Korea, it is readily used. Wild American Ginseng has had a problem of over-harvesting, leading to crops that are not as valuable.

The active ingredient which makes Ginseng so popular is in the root. The ginsensosides help to reactivate and revitalize epidermal cells. The saponins, mucin and vitamin B also come from the root.

Ginseng products help in smoothing wrinkles and aid in replenishing moisture for dry skin. It is great for renewing skin elasticity, rejuvenating, oxygenating and stimulating skin. For centuries Ginseng has been known as a cure-all for illness. It has been known to balance and normalize body functions. Try it to boost your immune system, energy levels and can help lower blood sugar.

You can find Ginseng everywhere in the store, from the beauty aisle to the grocery bin. Look for it in facial products, lotions and creams, and hair care products. The extract of Ginseng can be found in teas, energy supplement pills and herbal capsules. Ginseng has also been known in some instances to stimulate hair growth. You can also make “tea” by boiling the peeled knotty root in water and drinking it—great for digestion and balance!

So keep these “nectars of the Gods” well within reach to feel good and stay beautiful.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

I am no doubt a Rachael Ray fan. I watch her TV talk show on occasion. I subscribe to her magazine. By the way there are some wonderful recipes and tips on cooking.

Whenever I have an old RR mag to recycle someone spies it and wants it. Recently I found some other kind of food recipes in one of the summer issues and I want to share them with you. Good stuff to make you feel good, smell good and shine!

From "Salon Chocolat," Nevada—Chocolate Martini Mask. Since unprocessed cocoa powder is loaded with antioxidants, it improves blood flow, tightens skin and helps in retaining moisture. So why not slap some on that mug!

Using a wooden spatula or first 2 fingers apply this mix to clean skin, leave on for 20 minutes, then wipe off with warm towel. (Patch test first for sensitive skin.)

Pina Colada hand and foot treatment. This tried and true concoction of island bliss is from a spa in Walnut Creek.

In a blender mix 1/4 cup coconut oil and 1/4 cup pineapple juice. After blending, add 2 tablespoons dry polenta to exfoliate skin. Massage into hands and feet, then slip on cotton socks and gloves. Rough dry skin is removed and soft toes and hands are meant to be held!

Sangria Shine hair treatment. Summer can really play havoc on those locks, depleting moisture, shine and bounce. Here’s another recipe to restore it all from Tela Beauty Organics.